RAMAS - EcoLab and EcoLab Online

1. generating random numbers

2. simple models that incorporate variability and density dependence
3. matrix models that incorporate age and stage structure in addition to variability and density dependence

4. metapopulation models with spatial structure, variability and density dependence

 Each module is used to create models or load sample files, enter or modify input parameters, and run simulations. Students can create and save their own models, run simulations, and watch as the population trajectories or the map of the metapopulation is updated at every time step during a simulation.  EcoLab is combined with one of three textbooks that are tailored towared a specific audience.  While this versatile textbook­ software combination can stand alone as a text for courses in ecology, environmental studies, population ecology, conservation biology, applied ecology, and wildlife management, it can also be used in combination with a number of leading textbooks.

• survival
• fecundity
• age of first reproduction
• initial population abundance
• carrying capacity

• mean abundance over time
• probability of extinction
• number of individuals harvested
• probability of a decline